Analyst - Hotel Asset Management

at  The First Group

Overview:
Headquartered in Dubai, UAE, The First Group is a dynamic, integrated global property developer with a fast-growing portfolio of upscale hotels, residential properties, F&B brands and real estate asset management services. Since our launch in 2005, we have carved a highly successful niche offering unrivalled property investment opportunities in high-growth markets to clients from more than 70 countries worldwide.
We were among the first developers to identify the tremendous potential in providing private investors the opportunity to purchase hotel guestrooms, suites and serviced apartments in our collection of upscale properties located in highly popular locations across Dubai. We back up our success with a list of International Property awards along with strategic partnerships with companies such as Wyndham Hotel group, Millennium Hotels, Emirates Airlines and Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts.
To successful candidates, we offer a diverse progressive corporate working environment with clear growth potential along with award winning sales & marketing tools, a state of the art showroom featuring Dubai’s only virtual helicopter tour and endorsements from a number of international sporting celebrities.
Job Description:
The main task for this position will be to support the asset management team. The Analyst is responsible for monitoring the financial and operational performance of the hotel assets, including during the pre-opening phases.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration, business management, or related field from a four-year college, university, or equivalent experience required.
• MBA is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 1 year’ experience with practice in hospitality and asset management.
• UAE work experience with Dubai market exposure as an advantage.
• Advanced level of Microsoft Office, especially in Excel.
• Strong financial/consulting background, especially in Asset Management.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Results-driven, capable of performing well under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.

• Perform accurate and timely review of the submitted operational reports of Hotel Operators and perform the required analysis of the operating results while liaising with the Hotel Operators for inquiries and clarifications.
• Study the operational reports submitted by the hotel operators, consolidate them, and prepare input notes on any critical areas for the management’s consideration. Provide both the reports and input notes to the Management.
• Work with team members to identify and implement initiatives to save costs, increase revenues, and enhance customer experience.
• Provide the required pre-opening support and follow-up for newly operated hotels to ensure the proper initiation of the hotels’ operations.
• Analyze and respond to capital and operational expenditure (CAPEX & OPEX) requests to ensure that the requests address the current needs of the hotels and that no overestimations are made.
• Review and analyze the Actuals and budgets submitted by hotel operators and provide input to management to challenge and debate the budgets and underlying assumptions.
• Review and benchmark the trading performance parameters relevant to the revenue of each asset and at the portfolio level (i.e., ADR, RevPAR, Occupancy, STR, market, … etc.).
• Perform analysis on break-even point, fix/variable cost-ratio, ROI, payback period, payroll & related, productivity, COGS, outsourcing models, energy efficiency, flowthrough, and other KPIs periodically to assess operational efficiency.
• Prepare financial projections and feasibility studies for new acquisition projects with team members.
• Perform qualitative analysis summary for each asset to improve online reputation.
• Conduct ad-hoc research studies as instructed by the Management, whether related to the review of operated hotels or any other related topics of interest.
• Support the team in business assessment, market study, P&L reviews, and other requirements.
• Produce and deliver reporting with high accuracy.
  Desired Skill & Expertise: